The 10^th National Conference for Young Writers officially took place in Da Nang on June 18 and 19.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speaking at the conference. Photo: T.D

Hosted by the Viet Nam Writers’ Association, the conference provided the good opportunity for young writers nationwide to meet, and exchange their experience.

It also facilitated the Association to listen to the thoughts and aspirations of young writers in a bid to support and accompany them on their writing journeys to contribute to the development of the country's literature.

In his remarks at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam affirmed that the Party, State and Government were particularly interested in the national literature, especially young intellectuals. He expressed his desire that such meaningful activities would continue to be organised in the coming time.

“Besides senior writers, the Vietnamese government set great expectations on young writers in promoting the development of Viet Nam’s literature and arts. We have the opportunity to absorb human civilisation, and at the same time, to bring our culture and literature to the world. Therefore, I hope young writers continue to have many good and creative works in the future" said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam giving spiritual encouragement to young writers Vu Nguyen (in a wheelchair) and 15-year-old Tran Phu Minh Anh. Photo: T.D

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung revealed that, after this conference, the ministry would urgently actualise the project on enhancing the capacity of composition, and theoretical, and literary criticism during the 2022-2025 period, with a vision to 2030, with the aim of creating quality and immortal literary works.

Mr. Hung undertook, over the past time, the Ministry have not only managed a number of the Viet Nam Writers’ Association-hosted activities, but also facilitated writers to write and publish their works.

He pledged that, in the coming time, the ministry would continue to coordinate with the Writers' Association to maintain and expand the scale of the writing camps, and to organise national literary awards for sake of seeking and honouring talents in literary activities.

In his speech delivered at the conference, Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh expressed his joy and honour when Da Nang was chosen as the host for this year’s National Conference of Young Writers.

Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh speaking at the event.

He noted the event was not only meaningful for young writers, but also contributed to giving spiritual encouragement to literature lovers in Da Nang.

“Over the past 25 years, Da Nang has transformed itself into the central city of Central Viet Nam and the whole country. Also, the city boasts many favourable conditions for building and developing culture and arts in order to improve local people's spiritual and cultural life" emphasised Chairman Chinh.

This year’s conference saw the participation of 138 delegates. 119 of them were typical young writers across the country, whilst the remaining 19 were members of the Viet Nam Writers’ Association aged 35 and under in different fields such as poetry, prose, critical theory and translation

This was the conference with the highest-ever number of participants compared to the last two ones. The largest number were authors aged from 22 - 30. Among them, quite a few authors owned one or more literary awards, or had many outstanding works published.

During their stay in Da Nang, the delegates presented gifts to the Hy Vong (Hope) Boarding School for children orphaned due to the COVID-19, and visited the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone in Quang Nam Province. Also, they attended a gala night of poetry and music.

On this occasion, the Viet Nam Writers’ Association introduced two books, entitled ‘Fire Eyes’ and ‘Dragon's Circuit’. These over 500-page books featured many outstanding works by the authors who were official delegates at the conference.

Reporting by THIEN DUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG